A Levels are qualifications that can be studied post-16. Many students finish their GCSEs at the end of Year 11 and then move onto Sixth Form or college where they study their A Levels for two years. The right grades at A Level can help a student secure a place at university.
How Many A Level Subjects Do Students Take?
Generally speaking, students will need to receive at least five GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 in order to study A Levels. Usually, students will study four A Level subjects in the first year and then drop one so that they only study three in the second year. As a result, they will finish with three A Level qualifications and one AS Level. They are not compulsory, and students can opt to do a vocational course instead, which will allow them to get hands-on experience in a certain industry.
How Are A Levels Graded?
Unlike GCSEs which are graded on a number scale, A Levels are graded A* to U (U being classed as Ungradable). Different universities will have different entry requirements in terms of grades, so your child should investigate this so that they know what to aim for. Some courses may require three A*s whereas others might ask for Bs or Cs.
How to Choose A Level Subjects
Your child should choose their A Level subjects based on a number of factors. If they know what they want to study at university or do as a job, they should find out which A Level subjects they will need in order to pursue that route. If they are unsure, then they should choose subjects based on what they are good at and what they enjoy. They should certainly avoid studying something just because their friends are or because they like the teacher.